Eden Lake Review
Rated 18, 91mins. Dir: James Watkins /
The media frenzy surrounding the seemingly pandemic knife crimes by young people against other young people and anyone older who fancies ‘having a go’ is finally held up for reflection in this, James Watkins’ follow-up to the similarly disturbing Gone and My Little Eye.
The film starts formulaically enough: perfectly formed middle-class couple Steve (Michael Fassbender ? 300, Hex) and Jenny (Kelly Reilly ? Pride & Prejudice, Maybe Baby) head deep into midlands forest territory for a romantic camping weekend at
When they finally arrive after what is quite an off-road trek, their peace is compromised by the arrival of a gang of boisterous young people and their slavering Rottweiler further down the shore. Steve approaches them and after some backchat they eventually move on. Any underlying menace is dealt with very coolly by Watkins, as what follows is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
After stealing the couples’ bag and Jeep, a confrontation leads to a tragic accident, which in turn leads to one of the film's many disturbing scenes. Without going into detail, every negative aspect regarding young people in the British media is shown in its worst unflinching incarnation: happy slapping, knives, gang initiation and a complete lack of right from wrong. It is horrific, and should be avoided at all costs if you’re squeamish.
However, what the film does well is take all of this negativity and ask, “look, here is what you think we get up to? do you really think we’re all capable of this?” Which, of course, almost all young people aren’t.
The gang involved are under the psychotic leadership of Brett (an outstanding Jack O’Connell ? Skins), who basically offers them one choice: do your part or else, and just when you think you’ve seen the worst of what he’s capable of, he ups the ante. So much so that you really wonder how much further the boundaries can be pushed.
A shock ending that offers no obvious solution or peace of mind begs the question: what can be done about the overall perspective of young people in this country? Does wearing a hood make you a criminal? There are no easy answers, but
If you’re under 18 you’ll have to wait to see the film, and if you’re over 18 I advise strong caution if you’re not into your horror.
